19. How I Became a Christ-Centered Birth Doula, Part 2: Postpartum Depression, PTSD, & Pelvic Floor Physical Therapy After Birth

Send us Fan MailThis episode picks up right where Part 1 left off: walking out of the hospital with my firstborn and a plan to just... never think about the birth again.That plan did not work.In Part 2 of this series, I'm sharing what the first year after my traumatic birth experience actually looked like: the physical recovery I wasn't prepared for, the PPD I got diagnosed with in a thirty-second clipboard interaction, the PTSD symptoms I didn't fully identify until later, and the pelvic floor issues I lived with in silence for six months before anyone told me it wasn't normal.In this episode:• What recovering from a second degree tear actually felt like (and why my recovery with my 2nd and 3rd babies was completely different)• The shock of early newborn life, breastfeeding, sleep support needs, and the feeling of losing myself • The thread connecting birth trauma to postpartum identity loss• What it looked like when my NP told me I had "severe postpartum depression" • The flashbacks I was from giving birth• What PPD actually looked like for me day-to-day • Starting a new job at 7 weeks postpartum • Six months of pelvic pain and what finally got me help• The pelvic floor PT experience that was the first turning pointIf you've ever told yourself your birth "wasn't that bad", this episode is for you. Trauma is not a competition. And you don't have to go through a medical emergency to be deeply affected by what happened to your body.Resources mentioned:• Postpartum Support International (PSI): postpartum.net• Pelvic floor PT- local to Cherokee County? DM me on Instagram @rise.birth, I have all the local recs for you.If you haven't listened to Part 1 yet (Episode 18), start there first so you have the full context.Part 3 is coming soon.Just getting started?Use my free pregnancy and birth research checklist to jumpstart your learning.Free roadmap to planning a natural birth:10 Steps to Natural Birth Want to feel more confident making decisions in labor?Join the Autonomous Birth Workshop to learn how to advocate for yourself and navigate birth with clarity.Free Scripture-Based Affirmation CardsFor encouragement and truth as you prepare for birth, download my Free Scripture-Based Affirmation CardsConnect with me on Instagram:@rise.birth